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Tamiya 1:48 F4U-1 Birdcage converted to FAA Corsair Mk.I


Rick K

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F4u-1_Kit_Box.jpg

This build has special meaning to me.  A Christmas gift from my son.  Sat in my stash for 2 years.  A few reminders recently...here we are.  :rolleyes:  Finally.

 

Lots of aftermarket surprise, surprise.  EagleCal decals, Barracuda wheels, Eduard PE, Ultracast Prop, Vector "Turtleback", Vector Cowling detail and HGW belts.

 

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Yup, gonna be a "clipped" wing bird.

 

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I discovered there are about 3 different measures used on RAF FAA Corsairs of course I cannot locate the source and I did not save the link.  I went with 8" clip each wing.

 

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A piece of sheet styrene closes the tip.

 

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Clip job is done.

 

 

Edited by Rick K
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Vector's F4U Turtleback is a perfect fit.

 

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The clunky seat will be replaced with a PE variant and the headrest will be removed.

 

 

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More Vector upgrades with their F4U Cowling detail set.  Remove the cowling from the kit part.

 

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Initial cleaning yields a pretty good fit.

 

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Cowling ribs x18 and cowling flap actuators x16.  Individually glued with epoxy...fun times.

 

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Time consuming angst.  Happy to complete.

 

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Fit looks good.

 

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Cowling flap actuators x16 done.  Will be adding wire after paint.

 

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Cowling flap actuator painted.  Now for the rigging.

 

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Painted then given a wash of thinned black and brown brew.  Exhibiting skill-sets of a surgeon the rigging is completed. 

 

Edited by Rick K
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The clunky seat gets the boot.

8F0C6768-E7B4-4466-84BE-597FDEB03393_1_1

A little bending and shaping I wrestle the PE into shape.

 

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Using solder paste I positioned the seat frame and secured with a touch of my soldering iron tip.  No way I would trust CA for this attachment.  Too much handling with belts and cockpit secure clearly spelled DETATCHED at most inopportune time.

 

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More PE and wire for cockpit detail.

 

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Kit parts, PE and wiring added to cockpit sidewalls.  Details to be picked out.  Wheel wells got some plumbing love.  Interior (cockpit and wheel wells) primer applied and a wash to bring out detail.

 

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Seat painted NATO Black and given some Uschi metal power rub.

Edited by Rick K
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Some engine work.

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The Eduard PE ignition cables just did not work for me.  Let the drilling begin.  Drill love to every cylinder and behind ignition harness.  Then some fine copper wire.

 

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Wiring done...

 

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Reduction gear box and harness ring painted and given a wash pick out the details.  PW decal added.

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Interior/Cockpit details.  Using a toothpick I pick out details with Vallejo Model paints in interior and cockpit tub.

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A few Airscale placard decals add some detail.  No printed PE used.  All PE painted and details picked out.  Uschi metal powder gently applied for additional highlight.

 

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Everytime I regret HGW 30 seconds into my effort.  Drives me batty.  Then it's finished and I'm grinning like the Cheshire Cat.

 

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Cockpit tub assembled. 

 

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Eduards IP was the only printed PE used.  I gave the IP a shot of dull varnish and picked out the dials with Acrylic UV glue.

 

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After glue applied I place the tub in fuselage and taped fuselage closed.  This was the cockpit jig.  After dry it tub was perfectly set to fit.  It actually "clicked" into place during numerous test fitting.  Kit gunsight was meh so I substituted a 3D printed Mark.II gunsight added to IP panel. 

 

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